To allay the concerns of stakeholders including parents, students and teachers, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday assured that the planned conduct of limited face-to-face classes next year will be implemented following strict protocols.

The DepEd said it recognizes the challenges with the pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the country.

“While the end of the pandemic is in sight, our utmost priority remains the same: to protect our teachers and learners,” DepEd said. “It is precisely why we are approaching this pilot implementation with extreme caution,” it added.

DepEd also reiterated that the agency will be “highly selective” for this undertaking - with stringent conditions already outlined. DepEd underscored the presence of commitment for “shared responsibility” of DepEd, the local government unit, the parents or guardians, transport and service providers, and other education stakeholders for gradual resumption of face-to-face classes.

“Face-to-face classes will be conducted under staggered or intermittent schedules and class size will be reduced to allow proper physical distancing in the classroom,” DepEd said.

Moreover, DepEd noted that health standards will be strictly enforced on school premises, during travel, and at home. “Participation of learners will also be voluntary, with requisite permit from parent,” it added.

In line with this, DepEd also welcome UNICEF’s expression of support on the implementation side of this “challenging task.”

DepEd also expressed its gratitude to UNICEF for supporting the government’s decision to greenlight the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes in low-risk areas. This development comes after the President and the Cabinet unanimously approved DepEd’s proposal to conduct the pilot next year.

In coming up with recommendations, DepEd said it reviewed various international and local health studies - including UNICEF. “We have also proactively consulted representatives from different sectors in our data-driven and risk-informed approach,” it added.

DepEd also assured that the recommendation to pilot test limited in-person classes in January 2021 was a result of a proactive consultation with various sectors and stakeholders.

“We understand from these engagements that clear policies and preventive measures are needed to eliminate the risk of infection among our teachers and learners,” DepEd said. 

The agency also urged various sectors to "keep working together" to guarantee the safety and well-being of students and teachers as well as their families.

Earlier, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that there are 1,114 schools which were nominated for the dry run of face-to-face classes. She clarified that this number is not yet final.